A rocket is a vehicle propelled forward by the reaction force generated by the rocket engine ejecting the working medium. It carries all the propellant itself and does not rely on external working fluid to generate thrust.

Rockets can operate in the dense atmosphere or outside of it. A rocket is a crucial vehicle for spaceflight, and it is divided into sounding rockets and launch vehicles based on its uses.

Although the rocket may seem complicated, it is relatively simple in principle. As early as the 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton described that if a certain mass is thrown backward at a certain speed, it will be pushed forward by a reaction force and accelerated forward.

Rockets are typically launched vertically. This is because during vertical launch, the support point is on the launch pad, the launch device structure is simple and stable, and this posture is conducive to the acceleration of the rocket and energy utilization, which is economical and convenient.

Rockets are typically large, with a length of over ten meters to tens of meters and a diameter of several meters to more than ten meters. If the rocket is launched at an angle, it must have a longer sliding track than the rocket body.

This kind of slide rail is not only bulky, unstable, and difficult to move, but the vibration generated during launch will inevitably affect the rocket's orbital accuracy.

The rocket heads we see are pointed to reduce drag caused by air resistance during flight. The faster the speed, the greater the resistance. Even though the top of the rocket is pointed, it still experiences a lot of drag, which causes the rocket to generate a lot of heat due to air friction. Therefore, cooling measures must be taken when the rocket is flying.

What happens to the rocket after it is successfully launched? In fact, only the return capsule of the manned rocket can return. After completing its delivery mission, other launch vehicles will fall directly into the atmosphere and burn up.

The wreckage that has not been burned will be controlled to fall into the designated range. Some countries even apply precise landing control technology to carry out the controlled recovery of the wreckage.

Apart from carrying artificial satellites and manned space missions, rockets are also widely used in scientific exploration, earth observation, and deep space exploration. For example, rockets are used to launch probes, conduct research, and detect planets, moons, and comets.

In addition to technological development, rockets have significant symbolic significance in human society. Rockets represent human courage and the spirit of exploration, and symbolize human curiosity and exploration of the unknown world.

Many countries and regions regard rockets as a symbol of their national scientific and technological strength and international status, demonstrating their strength and achievements through rocket launches.

The development of rocket technology has promoted the aerospace industry's growth, creating numerous employment opportunities and economic growth points.

At the same time, the application of rocket technology has also led to the development and innovation of many related technologies and products, bringing great opportunities and challenges to the development of human society.

With the continuous advancement of rocket technology, mankind has achieved significant accomplishments, such as landing on the moon, exploring the solar system, and establishing a space station. In the future, there will be more space exploration and utilization waiting for us to discover and achieve.